Plant Description:
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea, commonly known as low bindweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is native to North America.
Appearance:
The plant has slender, trailing stems that can reach up to 80 cm in length. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are up to 6 cm long and 3 cm wide. The flowers are white, funnel-shaped, and bloom from June to September. The fruit is a capsule containing four seeds.
Common Names:
In addition to low bindweed, Calystegia spithamaea is also referred to as small-flowered morning glory, pygmy morning glory, and dwarf morning glory.
Uses:
While Calystegia spithamaea does not have significant edible or medicinal uses, its attractive flowers make it a popular ornamental plant. The plant is also used in erosion control and for landscaping purposes due to its spreading growth habit.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea, also known as the low false bindweed, is a wildflower that is native to North America. This plant typically grows in dry, open areas such as meadows, rocky slopes, and forests. It is known for its delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers and creeping stems.
Light Requirements
The low false bindweed prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but if it is grown in full shade, it may not flower as profusely as it would in full sun. It is important to note that too much direct sunlight may cause the plant to wilt, so it is best to provide some shade in areas with extremely hot temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some frost, but if temperatures fall below freezing for extended periods, the plant may not survive. Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea prefers a dry climate, but it can also tolerate some moisture in the air, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Soil Requirements
The low false bindweed can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil that is not consistently wet. If the soil is too wet, the plant may become susceptible to root rot. It is also important to note that this plant is adapted to low-nutrient soils, so it does not require fertilization.
Cultivation Methods
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea, commonly known as low bindweed, is a low-growing plant that prefers well-drained soils and a moderate level of moisture. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. The plant prefers full sunlight or partially shaded areas and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. When growing from seeds, it is important to sow them during the spring or fall.Watering Needs
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea requires regular watering during the growing season. It is recommended to water the plant moderately, especially during extended periods of drought. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other problems. In general, watering the plant once or twice a week is sufficient.Fertilization
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea requires minimal fertilization. However, it can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring or early summer. It is important to avoid overfertilization, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.Pruning
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea does not require regular pruning. However, it is important to remove dead or damaged branches and to trim back any overgrown stems. Pruning can be done in the early spring or after flowering in the late summer. It is important to use clean pruning tools to avoid the spread of disease.Propagation of Calystegia spithamaea
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. spithamaea can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
The plant's seeds can be collected after the flowering season. The collected seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix or soil. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. The seeds usually take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings grow 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or planted in the garden.
Vegetative propagation
Calystegia spithamaea can be propagated through vegetative methods like stem cuttings and division. Both methods result in clones of the parent plant.
Stem cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature stems and should include at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaf pairs should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting mix. The cuttings can be covered with a plastic bag to provide humidity and kept in indirect sunlight until they root. Once the roots develop, the cuttings can be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the garden.
Division: Division is best done in the early spring when the plant is just emerging from dormancy. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root mass should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and a portion of healthy roots. The divided sections can be planted in a well-draining soil or container.
With proper care and suitable growing conditions, Calystegia spithamaea can be propagated using these methods to establish healthy plants in the garden or containers.
Disease Management
Calystegia spithamaea is generally resistant to most diseases. However, in rare cases, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew
The fungal disease powdery mildew can be identified by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Encourage air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning it. You can also apply a fungicide labeled to control powdery mildew.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes rusty spots on foliage and stems. Control rust by removing the infected parts of the plant and disposing of them properly. Water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry. Apply a fungicide labeled for rust control.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by a fungus that creates brown or black areas on the leaves. Remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry. Apply a fungicide labeled for leaf spot control.
Pest Management
Calystegia spithamaea is generally pest-resistant, but it can be affected by some insects such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can be identified by their pear-shaped bodies and long antennae. They can usually be managed by removing them from the plant with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be attracted to the garden by planting nectar-rich flowers.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that are hard to see with the naked eye. They can cause yellowing and curling of leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. Control spider mites by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to remove them. Apply insecticidal soap or a miticide labeled for spider mite control. Neem oil can also be effective at managing spider mites.
